Canterbury Farming, December 2017 by Canterbury Farming

30,287 copies distributed monthly – to every rural mailbox in Canterbury and the West Coast

December 2017 Edition

INSIDE Show success THIS EDITION New biocontrol

p6 Canty A&P Show Competitors in the mixed team saw competition are full of concentration during the running of the 155th annual Canterbury A&P Show in Christchurch. The three day show attracted over 100,000 people, with around 60,000 making an appearance on Show Day itself. Show Day also saw many awards handed out including the Supreme Champion Animal of Show and the Show Legend Award. To ﬁnd out the winners, and more on the show, see our spread on pages 10 and 11.

p10 Harvest prep

p26 Livestock

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Photo: Stephen Weir

Support for Fonterra’s pledge to reduce greenhouse gas emissions

Farmers are supportive of Fonterra’s announcement that the dairy giant is aiming reduce its greenhouse gas emissions but Greenpeace claims there is a ‘gaping hole’ in the plan.

❚ by Kent caddick Fonterra has recently pledged to reduce its net greenhouse gas emissions by 30% by 2030, with a long term aim to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. Federated Farmers says it is supportive of Fonterra’s push to get to zero emissions of CO2 on the manufacturing side of the Co-operative, both in New Zealand and across its global network. Federated Farmers climate change spokesperson Andrew Hoggard said Kiwis should be proud that Fonterra and the country’s dairy farmers are prepared to step up

and pull their weight to tackle climate change. “And we await with interest to see what the contribution is that they will be making to reduce biological emissions, which whilst we have some promising options under development to control them, there is a lot of work still to be done,” Hoggard said. “The science we are attempting, to reduce the methane produced in a ruminant’s stomach, isn’t simple stuff, and there is no guarantee that we will be able to achieve these options. “Even if we do, we still face hurdles in being able to prove it at the farm level for carbon accounting.”

Hoggard said Fonterra has made these commitments based on what it aims to achieve worldwide, in its global business, not just on-farm and in factories in New Zealand. “New Zealand dairy farmers are the most emissions-efficient in the world. What we offer to the world, is the knowledge, experience and determination to improve. “Before the election Feds challenged all political parties to further invest in research efforts to reduce biological agricultural emissions, so if Fonterra is going to put additional resources into this it would be good to see the government match that,” Hoggard said.

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CANTERBURY FARMING

FARMING NEWS

Fonterra’s contribution ‘positive’ ‘ New Zealand dairy

farmers are the most emissions-efficient

On the right track: Federated Farmers climate change spokesperson Andrew Hoggard said farmers are supportive of Fonterra’s move to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions.

in the world. What we offer to the world, is the knowledge, experience and determination to improve. Andrew Hoggard Federated Farmers Vice President

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FROM PAGE 1 Meanhile, Greenpeace campaigner, Amanda Larsson, said it’s positive to see Fonterra finally acknowledging their significant contribution to climate change. “Setting targets to reduce their impact is an important first step, however Fonterra still seem to be in denial of the fact that taking action on climate change means reducing the dairy herd,” Larsson said. “Promising to reduce climate emissions but then continuing to increase cow numbers is like promising to delete Tinder but then continuing to swipe right.” Larsson said newly released figures show human-induced climate change is happening faster than ever and researchers are warning there isn’t much time left to achieve the goals set out in the Paris climate agreement. Given the urgency of the problem,

Larsson said Fonterra’s proposed approach to reducing the bulk of its emissions is simply too risky. “Fonterra are relying on some pretty aspirational and unproven technological fixes to address a major source of their emissions - burping cows. There is a rather gaping hole in that plan. “We urgently need a dramatic reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from livestock. The only way to do that in the

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time we have available is to reduce the herd. “Reducing the herd and moving towards regenerative farming is a double win. At the same time as we reduce our impact on the climate, we clean up our rivers and drinking water,” Larsson said. As part of the climate plan, Fonterra has also indicated it will replace the coal used at their milk drying plants with electricity and wood biomass.

Promising to reduce climate emissions but then continuing to increase cow numbers is like promising to delete Tinder but then continuing to swipe right. Amanda Larson Greenpeace campaigner

CANTERBURY FARMING

FARMING NEWS

December 2017

Farmers disappointed at TV blackout Young Farmer of the Year contest organisers are not happy at a decision by the country’s television networks not to screen coverage of the competition.

❚ by Kent caddick For the second year in a row, the FMG Young Farmer of the Year will not screen on television due to a lack of interest from the two main national networks. Contest chairperson Dean Rabbidge said TVNZ and TV3 have both declined the opportunity to screen the 50th season of the contest despite its iconic status and continued popularity. He described the decision as disappointing. “Particularly when you consider that TVNZ as a state funded programmer, and the original home of the FMG Young Farmer of the Year, is charged with delivering local cultural content to New Zealanders,” Rabbidge said. From the early 1980s until last year the contest appeared on television in some form, but has consistently been pushed into difficult time slots and now does not have a home. Rabbidge said the contest board was aware of shifting television priorities and the need to be more entertainment based and accordingly had approached both networks with a variety of fresh ideas to help broaden the appeal of the contest to urban audiences. “However, we are not willing to jeopardise the integrity of the contest just to make it more of a reality drama and there has been no willingness on behalf of the networks to embrace what is still the most prestigious agricultural competition in the world. “It continues to be a wonderful vehicle for showcasing excellence and the talent of young farmers in this country and in our opin-

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There has been no willingness on behalf of the networks to embrace what is still the most prestigious agricultural competition in the world. Dean Rabbidge Young Farmer of the Year contest chairperson

ion is a slice of primetime television that all New Zealanders need to relate to.” However, Rabbidge praised NZ On Air for its ongoing support with funding but said NZ Young Farmers could not afford to fund the entire production itself. “NZ On Air have always tried to support what we are doing but it is a great disappointment that we cannot get television networks to screen what is an extraordinary event with courageous characters that exemplify the Kiwi spirit.” With no presence, online or otherwise, on television Rabbidge said the contest would be forced to use social media as the main platform. “And while that is not the scenario we wanted in our 50th Ccntest season, we will move forward and embrace new technology platforms.”

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Blackout: Young Farmer of the Year contest organiser Dean rabbidge is not impressed by television networks in New Zealand refusing to cover the 50th anniversary edition of the iconic competition. NZ Young Farmers CEO Terry Copeland said he was saddened by the networks’ decisions and believed they were missing a fantastic opportunity to profile incredible young finalists who often moved on to become New

Zealand thought leaders. “It is particularly difficult to accept that TVNZ, who are charged with showcasing New Zealand content, no longer see value in what is still an iconic piece of our history.”

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CANTERBURY FARMING

FARMING NEWS

Revolutionary research into bacteria use

A new Lincoln Agritech research programme will find revolutionary ways of using naturally-occurring bacteria and fungi to increase the availability of nitrogen to plants and improve plants’ tolerance to stress.

❚ by Kent caddick Lincoln Agritech is an independent multidisciplinary research and development company owned by Lincoln University. Biotechnology Team Manager Dr Richard Weld, who is leading the research, says the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment has awarded the programmes a combined $8.2m. “This is a notable achievement for a small organisation,” Dr Weld said. The first of the two projects will benefit the forestry and pastoral sectors by allowing pine trees and grasses to convert atmospheric nitrogen into plant-available mineral nitrogen in the same way that legumes such as clover do, and by improving the plants tolerance to stress. Dr Weld said this can be achieved by optimising the natural microbial communities associated with the plants, thereby creating new symbioses between plants, bacteria and fungi. “We will select bacteria that fix nitrogen and that enhance plant tolerance to stress. “These bacteria will then be combined in symbiotic association with two fungi which naturally live within plants. “After this, the fungal-bacterial hybrids can be introduced to pine trees and perennial ryegrass. The combination will make the plants more resistant to stress and more able take up nitrogen.” Dr Weld said the five-year programme is world-leading, as no other researchers have attempted a triple symbiosis between fungi, bacteria and these plants. The research team from Lincoln Agritech, Lincoln University, Scion and AgResearch

Researchers: The Lincoln Agritech biotechnology Group (from left): Dr richard Weld, Dr Johanna Steyaert, International Intern camille Vagner, Nicholas Glithero, PhD Student Thomas Flinois and Simon Lee. includes scientists who have been instrumental in developing fungal biocontrol endophytes. The team will work with commercial companies which are already producing and licensing fungal endophytes. The new fungalbacterial hybrids will be added to their product lines.

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sponsible for ‘off’ flavours. Dr Weld said the research will use the wine industry as an exemplar, but the technology can benefit other industries where hydrogen sulphide is also an issue. The programme involves researchers from Lincoln Agritech, Plant and Food Research, Aix-Marseille University, France and will take place over a two-year period.

CANTERBURY FARMING

FARMING NEWS

December 2017

Ocean outfall option likely ‘best solution’ Westland Milk Products is aiming to take its treated wastewater discharge out of the Hokitika River.

❚ by Kent caddick

Cleaning up: Westland milk is looking to use an ocean outfall rather than the Hokitika river for its treated wastewater from its Hokiitka factory.

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the outlet to be ‘at or near’ the Hokitika sewage ponds. Brendish said there was also potential for considerable cost savings for Westland in the proposal. “Our projections indicate that maintaining the wastewater discharge into the Hokitika River will become increasingly difficult and expensive for Westland. Long term, the cost of establishing and maintaining an ocean outfall is likely to be much less than keeping it in the river.” A recommendation including final-cost estimates will be considered for capital expenditure approval by Westland’s Board in March 2018.

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but, Brendish said, recent engineering investigations have recommended against this option. “The site has been deemed unsuitable for a number of reasons, including that excavation for the pipeline could risk the integrity of the sewage ponds themselves. “As a result, we are proposing an outlet further down the beach toward Hokitika but still some distance north of the town, and well away from the area of the beach most popular with recreational users,” Brendish said. The new location would only require an application for a minor variation to the original consent, as the original permit allowed for

would not pose any environmental issues for the ocean and there would be no health risk to the public. The intense wave activity will improve the speed with which the discharge is diluted and dispersed, and will present no threat to marine mammals, birds, fish and other organisms. “This is an environmental gain that would be welcomed in our community and provide Westland with a more secure, environmentally superior option for the long-term management of our wastewater system.” Five years ago it was thought Westland’s ocean outfall could be located on a new pier built at the site of Hokitika’s sewage ponds

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Last year the company re-opened its investigations into an ocean outfall for its treated wastewater discharge, which would take it out of the Hokitika River, two years prior to the existing in-river discharge consent expiring in 2021. A final decision on whether to go with the option will be made early in 2018. Westland has held an ocean outfall consent for five years. It was taken out initially to reserve the option for the company while alternative treated wastewater discharge options were considered. Those investigations have since revealed that the ocean outfall is likely to be the best solution for the environment and would prevent future problems in the Hokitika River. CEO Toni Brendish The investigations are at the stage that the company is about to go back to the West Coast Regional Council for a minor variation to its existing permit. “The ocean outfall option is now at the active consideration stage, with major engineering investigations being carried out to test the feasibility of the project to create detailed design and costings,” Brendish said. “The proposal includes construction of a 3.74km pipeline from the Hokitika dairy factory to an outfall point just south of the Hokitika sewage treatment ponds.” Brendish said the proposal’s key advantage was an environmental one. “Should it proceed, we will take Westland’s treated wastewater discharge out of the Hokitika River into a highly active ocean environment that’s better able to cope with the inflow. “The quality of the treated discharge

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December 2017

CANTERBURY FARMING

FARMING NEWS

New biocontrol released to control TPP Tamarixia trioaze, a parasitoid wasp which destroys the Tomato Potato Psyllid (TPP) pest, has been released in Canterbury and Hawke’s Bay.

❚ by Kent caddick These initial releases are the start of a wider planned release and monitoring programme that is being supported with funding through the government’s Sustainable Farming Fund (SFF). The Tomato Potato Psyllid has caused enormous problems for the potato, tomato, capsicum and tamarillo growers in New Zealand since it was discovered here in 2006. Sally Anderson of the Vegetable Research & Innovation Board said since then, the industry has been waging a battle to control this insect pest. “Tamarixia, a tiny wasp that lays its eggs on the psyllid, which then hatch and eat the psyllid, is a biological control option. “Tamarixia is found in the USA and Mexico

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as a naturally occurring parasitoid of Tomato Potato Psyllid. The Tamarixia were released onto African boxthorn – a TPP overwintering host – as there are currently no host crops such as potatoes or tomatoes in the ground. Anderson said the industry groups involved are now looking at ways of ensuring a supply of Tamarixia will be available for release by commercial growers this summer. The application to release Tamarixia by Horticulture New Zealand’s Vegetable and Research Innovation Board on behalf of industry groups including Potatoes New Zealand, Tomatoes NZ, Vegetables New Zealand, the NZ Tamarillo Growers Association and Heinz-Wattie’s NZ Ltd., was approved by the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) in June 2016.

Biocontrol: recently released parasitoid wasp Tamarixia triozae about to parasitise a Tomato Potato Psyllid (TPP) nymph.

The industry has been waging a battle to control TPP since it was discovered

Comparison: A healthy TPP nymph, left, alongside a parasitized nymph showing exit hole.

here in 2006. Sally Anderson Vegetable Research & Innovation Board

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FARMING NEWS

CANTERBURY FARMING

December 2017

Emerging leader joins Ravensdown Emerging agricultural leader Turi McFarlane, who was one of this year’s five prestigious Nuffield Scholarship winners, has joined Ravensdown Environmental based in Christchurch.

❚ by Kent caddick Having grown up on a small family sheep and beef farm on Banks Peninsula, his background is in combining farm systems and natural resource management, with a focus on enhancing the sustainability of New Zealand’s primary sector. Of Te Atiawa and Ngai Tahu decent, Turi also has a keen interest in Maori agribusiness as well as the role Maori have in natural resource management. McFarlane’s interest in agricultural systems and sustainable land management led to tertiary study at Massey University where he completed a Batchelor of Science with a double major in Agricultural Science and Ecology, followed by a Master of Applied Science at Lincoln University majoring in International Rural Development. For the past two and a half years, he was a South Island environment extension manager with Beef + Lamb New Zealand. As part of his Nuffield scholarship, McFarlane would like to explore how other countries identify and value ecosystem services to agricultural production. “That is how the ‘benefits’ we receive from the surrounding environment are identified and valued,” McFarlane said. “There is often significant emphasis on encouraging farmers to manage their natural resources sustainably and ensure they are compliant. “However, something that perhaps isn’t always clearly understood is how farmers can

New job: Nuffield Scholarship winner Turi mcFarlane has joined ravensdown environmental. get a lot more from their farm environmental plans other than just compliance. “I’m looking forward to working with farmers, particularly in Canterbury, to help them get the best value from their land with less negative environmental impacts. “By considering the contributions ecosystem services make to agricultural production I believe it will be easier for farmers to make informed, truly sustainable farm management decisions,” McFarlane said.

Nick Wilson

Mark Fitzpatrick, Business Manager for Ravensdown Environmental, said Turi is a fantastic addition to the growing team. “Turi’s expertise in farm environmental planning combined with his passion for sustainable farming practices means he is a perfect fit for us. We’re incredibly proud to have a Nuffield Scholar as part of the team and look forward to supporting him as he progresses,” Fitzpatrick said.

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CANTERBURY FARMING

RURAL PROFESSIONALS

Investment markets update

Andrew Wyllie ❚ with ❚ Forsyth Barr

Despite peripheral noise from geopolitical issues (eg North Korea) and politics in general, (eg the Washington ‘swamp’), growth has spread beyond the United States with the Euro area, Japan and Chinese economies now all growing solidly.

Global synchronised growth

Equity markets refocus on earnings

This backdrop of synchronised global growth is positive, driven in large part by consumption as growth in job numbers improves and real disposable household incomes increase. This is contributing to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth forecasts being progressively upgraded. The potential for tax policy changes in the US provides further upside, but the stimulus is expected to be less than previously expected. In a normal market, this environment should see bond yields reflect inflation. However, ongoing low wage inflation appears to be delaying the impact, although higher wage pressures are expected to emerge through 2018, as spare capacity is eventually exhausted. This should see Central Banks continuing to reduce levels of monetary stimulus over the next year. A shift to fiscal and structural initiatives is also anticipated. The tax proposals in the US are an example of this; however the proposals are likely to be diluted before being passed by Congress.

The backdrop of improving growth has been reflected in positive equity markets, with higher valuations being justified by low interest rates and positive earnings surprises. ‘Happy’ market sentiment saw positive local currency returns in the major markets we follow, over the last quarter. New Zealand dollar returns were boosted by the weaker New Zealand dollar over this period. The New Zealand dollar weakened in response to New Zealand’s change in government and accompanying uncertainty surrounding how various policy changes could influence future growth. As has occurred elsewhere in the world, we believe businesses will adapt to the new circumstances. However, New Zealand economic growth has capacity constraints. This limits the upside to growth, despite the higher fiscal spending being proposed by the new government. In terms of equity returns, New Zealand delivered the weakest return over the period,

with most of this driven by the significant price outperformance of a small number of stocks. The median return of the constituent companies of the S&P/NZX 50 Index, (+3.0%), was still respectable particularly given their defensive characteristics. We are not surprised that local market returns lag offshore markets, which are exposed to more growth-orientated companies during the current cyclical upturn. European and US earnings outlooks are currently the strongest and this was reflected in the higher local currency and New Zealand dollar returns delivered from these markets over the last quarter.

Central Banks changing commentary Long-term interest rates have been lower than expected for longer, with inflationary pressures still absent despite the improving backdrop. However, wage pressures are expected to increase next year and this should support our premise that interest rates have passed

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the low point in the cycle. The United States has already started along the path to policy normalisation with markets now pricing in an 85% probability that the next increase in the Federal Funds Rate will be in December 2017. Canada and others have also shifted commentaries towards being less accommodative. The European Central Bank is set to reduce asset purchases from January 2018. New Zealand interest rates should follow global trends, although the Reserve Bank of New Zealand is expected to maintain the Official Cash Rate steady at 1.75% until late 2018. Credit spreads are also expected to remain lower than usual, while the shortage of credit issuance persists.

He can be contacted regarding portfolio management, fixed interest, or share investments on 0800 367 227 or andrew. wyllie@forsythbarr.co.nz. This column is general in nature and should not be regarded as personalised investment advice.

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CANTERBURY FARMING

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December 2017

Changes to the residential care subsidy scheme

bessie Paterson LLb ❚ by ❚ Ronald W Angland & Son

Over the past few years there have been major changes to the residential care subsidy regime. Some years ago the government of the day introduced a scheme that increased the amount of assets which an applicant for a subsidy could have and it was hoped that by increasing the amount on an annual basis, eventually everybody who needed care would get it and keep their assets. Subsequent governments have changed the rules over the years and although a subsidy is still available it’s not so easy to get. For those people who are single and have been assessed as requiring residential care and where a couple are both going into care the current value of assets which they can keep is $224,654.00. If one partner is going into care and the other partner remains living independently the threshold is $123,025.00. Both figures increase in accordance with the Consumer Price Index annually on 1st July. If an applicant has assets below the qualifying threshold, their income will also be assessed. Presently a single applicant may have income of $982 which is exempt, and a couple who are both in care may have income of $1964, which is also exempt.

Where one partner lives in the community and the other is in care income of $2946 is exempt. Gifts have been a problem for quite some years. In days long gone gifts of $27,000 per annum could be made without payment of gift duty. Applicants for a subsidy were often surprised to find that MSD had a policy that restricted the amounts an applicant could gift, which was considerably less and any excess over their criteria was regarded as an asset of the donor and included in calculating assets. At that time the Department did not take into account gifts made more than five years prior to the application for a subsidy. The Department now goes back as far as it deems appropriate to find out the applicant’s history of gifting or buying and selling property, and whether they have deprived themselves of assets which could have provided them with the wherewithal to fund their care needs. Transferring property to a family trust by an applicant for a subsidy is now considered by MSD as a prime facie act of deprivation of

an asset which could otherwise have been used to pay for the care required. MSD does not take into account the distinction between relationship property and separate property so a contracting–out agreement will not avoid the rules on deprivation. While the current regime seems quite harsh in its application, it is preferable to the earlier system.

This article has been prepared by bessie Paterson, a partner at ronald W Angland & Son, 2 chapman Street, Leeston

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December 2017 CANTERBURY FARMING

CANTERBURY A&P SHOW

On show: Riders and horses parade around the show ring at the 155th Canterbury A&P Show.

Photo: Stephen Weir

Show proves popular once again The crowds flocked to Canterbury Agricultural Park for the final day of the 155th Canterbury A&P Show.

❚❚by Kent Caddick

Show organisers estimate between 50,000 and 60,000 showgoers attended on Friday’s Show Day, with approximately 100,000 attending over the three days. Show Day culminated as always, with the ultimate prize; the Supreme Champion Animal of Show. This year the Supreme Champion Meat Breed Sheep took out the top prize. Willowhaugh Rock Star is a three-year-old Southdown Ram owned and exhibited by Christina and Ian Jordan from Blenheim. Paul and Kay Gardner from Ashburton

took out the Mint Lamb Competition this year with a purebred Texel. It wasn’t the first time the Gardners had tasted success in the competition – they also won in 2014. Twenty-six-year-old Logan Moore from Rural Livestock Ltd has entered the Heartland Bank Young Auctioneers Competition twice before, and this year was his year to win. He’ll head over to the Sydney Royal Easter Show next year to watch and get involved with the Australian equivalent of the competition as part of his prize pack. The Dakins Ambassador of the Year award went to Andrew and Tracy Paterson

from the wool section. Every year they travel to the Show from Central Otago to participate as commercial sheep exhibitors and wool exhibitors. The Ambassador of the Year award honours a competitor who has been seen to support the ideals of the Canterbury A&P Association. The Show Legend Award recognizes volunteer effort and was awarded to Jackie Hill from Darfield. Jackie has had a long association with the equestrian section where she has held various positions including General Committee Member and Isaac Arena Ringmaster. She

first competed at the Show when she was 12 years old. In the Shearing Pavilion Alan Gemmell took out the Open Blades Final and Tony Coster won the Open Machines Final. Silver Fern Farms took out the Supreme Champion title in the Trade Exhibitor of the Year competition. The Skellerup South Island Gumboot Throwing Championship took place for the first time at the Show this year. Josh Leszczuk took out the men’s division with a throw of 39.46m and Shelley Norris was the top woman with a throw of 24.68m.

CANTERBURY A&P SHOW

CANTERBURY FARMING

December 2017

Top animal: cristina Jordan (right) is pictured with President of the canterbury A&P Association Peter Gilbert and wife Ann, after receiving the Supreme champion Animal of the Show for her Southdown ram ‘Willowhaugh rock Star’.

Legendary service: Jackie Hill from Darfield is pictured with Deputy mayor of christchurch Andrew Turner after receiving her Show Legend Award.

Stealthy: Gently does it for this sheep dog as he rounds up a group of ducks in the dog trial competition. Photo: Stephen Weir

Concentration: This competitor shows who is the boss in the sheep dog trials. Photo: Stephen Weir

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Boot away: A competitor in the gumboot throwing competition hurls his boot. Photo: Stephen Weir

December 2017

CANTERBURY FARMING

The tyranny of success ❚ by Solis Norton

❚ by rob cope-Williams

Christchurch show a positive At last we have some good news to talk about, warm weather and a public holiday has led to a boomer for the Canterbury A&P Show team. At a time the farming industry needs a huge PR exercise thousands of people poured through the gates on the three days and hopefully taking away with them a positive view of farming and the production of food and wines. The farmyard section was packed the whole time as children became hands on with farm animals, without being negative it probably turned many of them in vegetarians but that’s another story. I was thrilled to see the latest additions to the show itself. More of everything and a bigger emphasis on relaxing and enjoying the produce available, and the food and wine tent is now a village with lots of tables to sit at and easy access to the stalls all of whom seemed to be doing a great trade. As the city has developed into a culture of outdoors dining, it is very clever of the organisers to pick up on that and provide it for those who were there. Certainly the weather helped, but gone are the days of people shuffling past the majority of stalls because there was very little chance to assess the products let alone sit

in comfort and consume it. The village green resembled a total event picnic. The show organisers have obviously seen what the council organise in Hagley Park during the Summer time concerts... a relaxed family atmosphere and entertainment. After all who doesn’t like a picnic? To me the best part of the show is that the city folk are able to learn about the animals and what makes a winner. Again the judges in the different areas explained what was behind the decision to place their winners and why. It was great to see a live wool auction and the fashion parade showing off what wool garments are being produced was great and both attracted a big crowd. I admit to being lost a couple of times because there were so many extra tents, facilities but as a rural type I was thrilled to see so many city folk absorbing the atmosphere, small children learning about farming and where their food comes from, and getting up and personal with the farming industry. I do hope the stall holders had a boomer of a week and my congratulations to Geoff Bone and his team who have taken something that was great to new heights. I can’t wait to see how they top this year in 12 months’ time.

I talked with grandad the other day in despair at invasive farm pests. I’d been on a team culling goats on a Station in Central Otago. Apparently they came originally with the gold rush in the 1860s. Some of course went feral – the ambitious and keen, and the simply abandoned. They set about colonising a most glorious Garden of Eden, much like their shepherds. Fast forward 150 years. In the last two decades over fifty thousand goats had been removed from this one property. In that time sheep and cattle numbers there had doubled. Of course other improvements contributed to this enormous leap in production too, but the removal of all those feral mouths was surely a major factor. The success has been remarkable but it left me with a few questions. The toughest one was, with the goats now so few and so cunning; when is enough control enough? They’re more like cockroaches now than livestock. Living amongst the crevices in the rock, hair triggered to bolt for the scrub at the slightest noise. The vast areas they call home are mostly only accessible by helicopter - the perfect refuge. Precipitous bluff systems surrounded by dense thorn ridden scrub belts. How you would ever prove you’d finally got the last one is beyond me. I expect a similar case

with bovine Tb in 2050. Should we push into eye wateringly higher costs per goat for eradication? Or is containment and the huge reduction in numbers success enough, albeit requiring ongoing resources to maintain. How do we decide on the optimum level of control? And what benefit is eradicating one pest if another simply moves in? Deer numbers are building steadily now, especially fallow, where all those goats used to be. And what if that pest helps engineer our desired ecosystem? Chewing back the gorse and scrub to keep pasture in the light and stock trails open, maybe having a few is not the end of the world? My despair deepened in realising the same questions apply to our other hairy ferals amongst many other pests and diseases. The wallaby, rabbit, possum, deer, tahr, and pig to name but a few. Grandad reckoned it all sounded rather complicated and he didn’t have many answers. Understandably, this disappointed me. He suggested the ninety three rule – if you get 93% of what you want, that ought to do. And not to worry too much, nature has a way of working things out.

CANTERBURY FARMING

December 2017

Stepping aside after nine years at the helm

James Parsons ❚ by ❚ Chairman, Beef + Lamb New Zealand

‘

It has been a pleasure and a privilege to represent farmers over the last nine years. James Parsons Chairman, Beef + Lamb New Zealand

Standing down: beef + Lamb New Zealand chairman James Parsons is retiring after 12 years on the board.

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After nine enjoyable and stimulating years serving farmers on the board of Beef + Lamb New Zealand, I’ve chosen not to seek re-election in the director elections set for March next year. I’ve felt privileged to be part of a great team of directors and staff. It is a team unified by a deep passion to see rural communities thrive, through growing and protecting the viability of sheep and beef producers. Although I am still very energised as the organisation’s chairman, I’ve chosen not to seek re-election. Another threeyear term would mean 12 years on the board and seven years as chairman. Consequently, I feel the time is right for fresh leadership. We have a strong and capable board, which leaves me confident in the ongoing governance of B+LNZ on behalf of farmers. I was first elected to the board in March 2009, just as we led into the six-yearly Commodity Levy Referendum about the organisation’s future. The strong “Vote No” campaign, sparked by several groups of farmers, was a baptism by fire to farmer politics. The outcome was a narrow mandate to continue levy investment in beef and sheep meat, but a stop to wool. This was obviously a real low point for the organisation, but also something that helped define us. We recognised we were out of touch with farmers and not communicating the value their levy organisation provided. Over the next six years, thanks to a concerted effort by the whole organisation and strong assistance from more than 100 B+LNZ Farmer Council volunteers, we strengthened our connections with farmers and became far more relevant. I inherited a solid organisation, when the board elected me as B+LNZ’s chairman in 2014, following the retirement of Mike Petersen. This was later reflected in the 2015 Sheepmeat and Beef Levy Referendum, when 85% of participating farmers voted for B+LNZ to continue investing levies on their behalf. Following the development of a fresh strategy this year, B+LNZ will be working hard over the next few years to drive really tangible outcomes for farmers. This will include telling our natural Red Meat Sector Story domestically and internationally. We will be engaging much more strongly with the public of New Zealand and government, to build trust and credibility in the sector’s stewardship of nearly 40% of New Zealand’s land estate and waterways. We will also be assisting farmers with their on-farm productivity through using smarter inputs. These and many other activities all flow back to our vision and passionate focus on building thriving rural communities. Andrew Morrison of Gore, our Southern South Island Farmer Director, has been supported unanimously by the board to take over the chair when I retire next year. This has been a thorough succession process over the last 18 months, so Andrew is well prepared for the role. Constitutionally, his appointment does require a vote of the board immediately following the B+LNZ Annual Meeting on March 22. This will include one and potentially two new directors who haven’t been part of the board’s succession discussions. I look forward to leading the board for the final four months of my term, which will include engaging closely with the new Government, completing consultation on a Government Industry Agreement on Biosecurity Readiness and Response (GIA) with farmers and launching our natural Red Meat Sector Story. It has been a pleasure and a privilege to represent farmers over the last nine years and I’m grateful to all the individuals who have provided support and encouragement during that time.

December 2017

CANTERBURY FARMING

New ryegrasses offer dual solution High performance ryegrasses bred through an innovative and award-winning forage improvement programme are making their mark according to a leading New Zealand seed company.

❚ by Kent caddick Germinal New Zealand says their new ryegrasses are offering animal performance and environmental benefits to New Zealand farmers with their Aber High Sugar Grass (HSG). Bred at the Institute of Biological Environmental and Rural Science (IBERS), the ryegrasses contain significantly higher levels of sugar, or water-soluble carbohydrates, than conventional ryegrasses. Germinal’s trials and product development manager Sarah Gard said this has been verified by independent trials in New Zealand, where data is showing a significant increase in the sugar content of the new ryegrasses compared with many other conventional counterparts. “Aber HSGs also offer a higher metabolisable energy content than standard diploid ryegrasses,” Gard said. “Higher sugar means more energy, and this is significant in the way it helps ruminant livestock improve their conversion of grass protein into meat and milk. “Our grasses create a better balance of energy and protein in the rumen, allowing the microbes responsible for the breakdown of forage to operate more efficiently, so more

Well fed: Sheep set-stocked on an Aber HSG and clover mix are partitioning more energy into meat production, while reducing their methane emissions, according to Germinal New Zealand.

protein is converted to milk and meat, and less is excreted into the environment.” Gard said independent data has shown a 10% increase in autumn milk solids from cows fed Aber HSG. A Southland based trial run by Abacus Bio demonstrated lambs grazing Aber HSG finished 17% faster and 19% heavier than lambs grazing a standard NZ ryegrass. “Reducing the amount of nitrogen that is excreted means less impact on the environment, specifically in terms of a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, including meth-

ane, nitrous oxide and ammonia.” In New Zealand, the release of methane gas from ruminants amounts to one-third of greenhouse gas emissions. “New Zealand data has shown a 9% reduction in methane emissions from sheep fed on the Aber HSG variety AberMagic when compared to a conventional diploid variety. Similar research has also shown rumen ammonia to be significantly lower in cows grazing Aber HSG. “This science has already been recog-

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Potential for big savings with WFST Ravensdown’s Whole Farm Soil Testing programme can enable farmers to make smarter nutrient input choices, according to the company.

❚ by Kent caddick Senior Agri Manager at Ravensdown, Dan Copland, said evidence to date suggests the Whole Farm Soil Testing (WSFT) programme has the potential to increase farming systems’ productivity and also decrease the impact on the environment. “Whole Farm Soil Testing is one of the most cost effective nutrient management strategies a farmer can adopt. “It assesses the current soil fertility of every paddock on a farm, gathering much more information than many other soil testing strategies. “This allows us to create customised nutrient input plans. Customised nutrient plans mean farmers can apply the correct nutrients at the optimal rates at the right time to maximise pasture production and quality on their farm and potentially reduce their environmental impact. He said the testing also allows farmers to essentially mine nutrients from paddocks that are optimal or above optimal by applying less fertiliser (maintenance or sub maintenance) there and redistributing it to paddocks that are below optimum (capital). Results from 1109 soil test results that Ravensdown took from WFST programmes in Canterbury, showed that 40% of the paddocks tested had Olsen P levels below the optimum range.

“Applying capital P to these areas and getting them into the optimum range could potentially see an increase in pasture production of between 2% and 8%,” Copland said. “With the majority of these programmes (WFST) we’ve been able to cut back or withhold phosphate from close to 20 percent of paddocks tested, which had an Olsen P level above optimum, saving between $2000 and $15,000 of the farmer’s fer tiliser budget.” He said farmers using the WFST programme can optimise soil pH levels in every paddock through recommended rates of aglime, varying from several tonnes/ha of capital lime through to maintenance lime or none depending on paddock pH. Additionally, potassium (K) fertiliser rates can be adjusted from zero through to above maintenance rates of K depending on current soil K status, including soil K reserves. “Whole Farm Soil Testing can be tailored to meet a farms’ specific soil fertility, environmental and budget requirements, ensuring farmers are getting the best return on their investment. “Fertiliser is expensive, with most farmers telling you that it is often one of their highest operating expenses. “That is why it’s imperative to get application levels right without detrimentally impacting on pasture production and quality.”

Whole Farm Soil Testing: ravensdown Senior Agri manager Dan copland says evidence they have collected suggests WSFT programmes have the potential to increase productivity and decrease the impact on the environment.

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Correct soil fertility critical for growth There are 16 nutrients required by plants, 13 of these nutrients are obtained from the soil.

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❚ Article supplied by DairyNZ There are five nutrients N, P, K, S and Mg (pumice soils) that are added to soils in fertilisers. The remaining nutrients are abundant on most New Zealand Soils.

Assessing nutrient status It is important to measure the current soil nutrient status to assess whether a farm is in the maintenance or development stage. Soil testing and taking into account fertiliser history is the only way to assess nutrient status. Capital fertiliser inputs can be much greater than the maintenance input, especially if a rapid increase in the soil nutrient status is required.

Soil testing A robust soil fertility-monitoring programme in the best way to monitor nutrients in topsoil of any farm. Fertiliser costs are a major investment and needs to be monitored. Even

Lost: Potassium is removed through animal excretion in dairy sheds and farm tracks. in the maintenance stage, more precise rates can be calculated from establishing trends in soil test levels over time through the use of annual soil testing.

Pasture testing Pasture testing is a back up to soil testing. While soil testing determines available soil nutrient status, pasture analysis should be used to assess how

much nutrient has been taken up from a fertiliser application and check trace element status. There are two key reasons to test and analyse pasture samples: 1. Concerns about animal health Insufficient concentrations of: Mg, Na, Cu, Co and Se, Excessively high concentrations of K, Mo and Mn.

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Lime Soil Acidity Liming is carried out to mainly overcome aluminium toxicity and increase molybdenum and phosphorus availability. On pasture, liming generally encourages more productive pasture species (legumes and ryegrasses) at the expense of low fertility species.

Phosphorus (P)

Growth: The amount of additional pasture grown in response to Nitrogen is influenced by climate.

FROM PAGE 16 2. Clover Nutrition Clovers have a higher requirement of all nutrients compared to grasses; they are a sensitive indicator of underlying soil fertility.

Nitrogen Nitrogen (N) fertiliser can be used to overcome seasonal pasture deficits by increasing pasture supply. Similar to any purchased input, N requires careful use to optimise economic return. Use appropriate applications rates and apply to pasture with some regrowth eg 16001800kg DM/ha or better. The amount of additional pasture grown in response to the application of N is influenced by climate, with a low response from

cold temperatures, waterlogged soils, and dry conditions. The largest and most reliable response to N is when the growth rate of pasture is greatest i.e., in mid-late spring in most regions. Typical pasture growth response rates during early spring range from 10 to 15 kg DM/kg N applied. Autumn responses are generally smaller and less reliable than those in spring, while winter responses are lowest and the risk of direct loss of fertiliser N by leaching is greatest. Mid-to-late summer applications of N fertiliser are not recommended where low soil moisture limits growth. However, good responses can occur on irrigated farms or regions which have reliable summer rainfall.

Phorphorus is a key nutrient for the successful growth of pasture and crops. Soil phosphate (P) moves slowly through soils, reducing opportunity for leaching losses. In a maintenance situation P can be applied at any time of the year but applying soluble P fertilisers outside the high risk months of April to October will reduce the risk of P runoff. If the soil test levels are low and an immediate increase in production is required, the sooner P is applied the sooner there will be benefits. Application rates of greater than 100 kg P/ha (1100 kg superphosphate/ha) in a single application are not recommended. If capital inputs higher than this rate are required, then the dressing should be split. Animals should not graze pastures where phosphate fertiliser has been applied until at least 25mm of rain has fallen. This is especially true where capital rates of P have been applied.

Sulphur (S) Clover has a higher requirement for all nutrients including sulphur, relative to the grasses. Thus, if a soil is S deficient the clover vigour and abundance will be poor.

For pastures the normal distinction between capital S and maintenance S inputs does not apply. This is because the amounts of S to eliminate the most severe S deficiency are similar to the amounts required to maintain soil S levels. There are two forms of S fertiliser. Sulphate S (the form present in superphosphate) is readily available to plants and moves rapidly through the soil, and Elemental S, which is not immediately available to the plant (nor prone to leaching) as must first be oxidised by soil microorganisms to sulphate-S before it is plant available.

Potassium (K) Potassium fertilisers are often referred to as ‘potash fertilisers’, a name originally given to an early form of potassium fertiliser produced by extracting a pot of wood ashes (pot ash). However, potassium is now mined from abundant mineral deposits. Potassium is removed and lost through animal excretion in dairy sheds and farm tracks. Potassium can be easily leached especially under heavy rainfall. Potassium fertilisers are generally applied in low rates to pasture and the percentage lost by leaching is small. Potassium fertilisers applied to crops usually remains in the root system during the growing season. Before and during calving, avoid applying K as it can worsen cow metabolic problems. After calving, apply K when clover growth is increasing. Ryegrasses are very efficient at extracting K from the soil and can usually grow to potential without K fertiliser over the early spring period.

December 2017

CANTERBURY FARMING

Where are they now: Blake Korteweg The year 2010 was a significant one for New Zealand, with the Pike River Mine disaster and the first Christchurch earthquake being the biggest news events of the year.

❚ by Kent caddick HRH Prince William visited in January and cooked a BBQ with Prime Minister John Key, who was in his second year of office, and the World Rowing Champs were held at Lake Karapiro. It was also the year a young herd manager from Otago named Blake Korteweg entered the New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards and won the South-

land-Otago Dairy Trainee of the Year competition. Later that year at the national awards gala dinner in Rotorua, he was named the 2010 Dairy Trainee of the Year. It was the first time Korteweg had entered the awards. “I entered to get a benchmark of where I was at compared to others at my level and also to get my name out there for future potential jobs,” he said.

The win gave Korteweg the confidence to pursue career goals and reassured him that he was on the right track. He believes that the win provided valuable career opportunities, but that it is still up to the individual to use it as a springboard for career progression. “I used it especially to help network and mix with some of the top people in the industry. These people want to help

In to win: blake Korteweg, 2010 Dairy Trainee of the Year, is encouraging others to enter this year’s New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards. and have lots of knowledge to give.” Korteweg said. “The win gave me a boost of confidence to take the next step.” The next step for Korteweg saw him progress to 20% sharemilking on the same farm, building equity along the way, then move to 30% sharemilking for two seasons. His continued career progression required relocating to Southland onto a 500 cow farm 50/50 sharemilking, where he currently lives. Korteweg believes that the awards programme accelerated his learning and growth. “If I hadn’t won I think maybe I would still be where I am now, but it’s certainly made the progression easier,” he said. “The biggest thing the Awards gave me was boost of enthusiasm for the industry and the opportunities to put me amongst the people I needed around me to help guide and push me to progress.” The New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards encompass the Share Farmer of the Year, Dairy Manager of the Year and Dairy Trainee of the Year competition. Entries for the 2018 Awards opened last month and Blake feels the competition remains relevant and valid today. “I would encourage anyone at any stage in their career to enter,” he said. “I’ve not yet heard of anyone who hasn’t gained something by entering, even if it’s a new farming friend.” Korteweg’s advice to potential entrants is clear and simple – ‘put your best foot forward, be yourself and have a clear understanding of what you do and why you do it’. He also encourages people to attend an awards evening, with the memories of his first one still very clear. “Just come and see what it’s all about. Listening and meeting some of the positive and top people in our industry is quite inspiring.”

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December 2017

Before you start contracting What to think about supplied by Ministry of ❚ Article Business, Innovation and Employment ❚

Here’s some tips, information and common mistakes to help you decide if going contracting is for you. Being a contractor means you: • are self-employed • choose what work you do • choose how – and sometimes where – to do your work • are responsible for paying your tax Some people become contractors out of choice, eg to use their skills to earn more than they could in a salaried job. Others do it because they find themselves out of permanent salaried work, eg after being made redundant. If you’re contracting, you can choose to be a sole trader or start a company. There are pros and cons to each option, so it pays to understand what each would mean for you. It’s a common mistake to assume what you’ll earn in a year simply by looking at your contract rate, eg $75 per hour X 8 hours a day X 5 days a week X 52 weeks a year = an-

There are many benefits to working as a contractor — it can pay better than doing a similar salaried job and be more flexible. But there are hidden costs to think about, too.

nual income of $156,000. There are several costs to include first, eg covering your own sick leave and ACC. If you’re contracting, you may have to get used to unplanned gaps between the end of one contract and the start of another. If your skills are in demand, you can take advantage of these gaps by turning them into holidays. However, it’s normal to want to have continuous work – and get stressed when you don’t have it. Keep alert when working for any clues to what will happen with your contract. You should start looking for more work at least a month before your contract is due to end. To give yourself peace of mind, save a buffer of up to three months’ income in case of unplanned breaks between contracts. As a contractor, you don’t get paid sick leave. It’s a good idea to budget for at least five days a year when you’re too sick to work – and won’t get paid. Make sure you include this in your budget and when working out hourly rates.

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As a contractor, you don’t get paid for public holidays that you don’t work. Make sure you include this in your budget and when working out hourly rates. It’s important you set a realistic hourly rate for your contract work. It needs to cover all your expenses and hidden costs, eg sick leave and public holidays. If you set your rate too high it could put off future clients. Setting it too low could leave you out of pocket. If you are going to work from home and need to set up and equip an office, you can

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Common mistakes • Not putting aside enough money for tax and ACC • Leaving it too late to pay your tax • Not getting advice up front • Not sending invoices on time • Not having your hourly rate high enough • Not making time for record keeping and administration

December 2017

CANTERBURY FARMING

Managing your hazardous substances Fuels and chemicals are widely used on farms to help improve productivity, but there can be health risks to you and your workers. supplied by ❚ Article ❚ WorkSafe NZ

So it’s important to know the risks of the substances you are working with and what you must do to protect people from harm. On December 1, the new Health and Safety at Work (Hazardous Substances) Regulations 2017 came into force, with the aim of reducing the harm from work-related activities involving hazardous substances. Farmers make up a large number of the 150,000 New Zealand businesses which work with hazardous substances. Petrol, diesel, pesticides, fertilisers and cleaning solutions are common examples on the farm. WorkSafe Chief Inspector Darren Handforth said when used safely, they contribute to productivity and efficiency, however they also pose real risk to the people working with and around them. “Farmers often underestimate the risks from using sprays and fertilisers,” Handforth said. “The harm from these substances can take 25 to 30 years to show, which is usually too late to prevent the serious, sometimes fatal, consequences.

“Exposure to agrichemicals is a major contributor to the deaths from work-related health risks in the agricultural sector. We are using a wide range of them on farms, but not necessarily managing those risks very well.” Handforth said the new regulations will bring greater focus to managing hazardous substances safely at work but it’s not wholesale change. The rules for the work-related use of hazardous substances are moving from the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (HSNO) Act to the Health and Safety at Work Act (HSWA). Many of the existing requirements continue under the new regulations, so if you are complying now, there may not be much more you have to do. However there are key changes that will help ensure you are doing your duty to protect people from harm.

to understand the risks they pose, how to use and store them safely and what to do if there is a spill or you are exposed to them. “From December it will be mandatory to keep both an inventory of your hazardous substances and their safety data sheets, so

Be aware: Hazardous substances are part of everyday farming.

Risk management The starting point for all farmers is to identify and assess the risks. Make a list of the hazardous substances on your farm, the quantities and where they are stored. Then read the safety data sheets that is the controls you need to have in place to protect people from harm. “Keeping an inventory of hazardous substances will help you look at what substances you have, and whether you need them or can substitute them with a safer product.”

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Storage A big area for improvement on farms is the storage of hazardous substances, Handforth said WorkSafe inspectors still find stocks of hazardous substances dating back decades in farm sheds. “This presents an unnecessary risk, given the options for disposing of old agricultural chemicals. “The best method at present is offered through AgRecovery, a charitable trust set up to dispose of unwanted chemicals and their containers. “You can book a chemical collection on-line, and this is free or subsidised depending on the chemical. AgRecovery also provides collection sites around New Zealand for containers.” As well as reducing risk, keeping the amount of substances you hold to a minimum can save you money and time. Quantities above certain limits may trigger additional requirements such as location compliance certificates.

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TO PAGE 21

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CANTERBURY FARMING

FROM PAGE 20 Keeping others safe Farmers have a duty to protect workers and others from the dangers of hazardous substances. Workers need to be informed of the risks and have the training, supervision and equipment to do their work safely. “For example, if you send someone out to spray diazinon, you need to make them aware of the health risks of exposure as well as providing the necessary personal protec-

Make sure you have an emergency plan in place, including who to contact and who is responsible for what.”

tive equipment,” Handforth said. Some substances may need to be secured, and only handled by people with the appropriate training. Approved handlers become certified handlers under the new regulations. There will be fewer substances that require a certified handler, but a greater emphasis on making sure all workers handling hazardous substances can do so safely. “And don’t forget, even the most safety-conscious farmer can have an accident.

What to do now As well as looking at what has changed, it’s important to remember there are already rules in place. Now is a great time to review your hazardous substances management and make sure you are complying with your duty to protect people from harm in your workplace.

December 2017

The WorkSafe website has guidance and information to help you understand your obligations. The Regulations are available on the New Zealand Legislation website. For practical help, see the Hazardous Substances Toolbox. This will be updated shortly and includes the Hazardous Substances Calculator. To keep updated, subscribe to the Hazardous Substances e-newsletter.

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December 2017

CANTERBURY FARMING

Be safe during wet winter catch-up WorkSafe New Zealand is urging farmers and contractors to take extra care getting on with seasonal work and catch-up jobs delayed due to the wet winter. Stay safe: WorkSafe’s Al mccone is concerned farmers and contractors will overlook safety to get overdue jobs done.

❚ by Kent caddick “Winter and the start of spring were exceptionally wet, and rain and slips may have changed the risk profile on a farm. For example, tracks may have been affected,” WorkSafe agriculture sector lead Al McCone said. “This means more care is needed to look out for potholes and hidden ditches, especially now warmer temperatures have brought spring grass growth that can cover these on infrequently used areas of the farm. “Ensuring you are using the right vehicle for the conditions and paying attention to the terrain is crucial. “The fact that much work has been delayed means there will be some pressure to get tasks completed on time. Many serious incidents we attend result from people trying to complete tasks in a hurry, or where people are fatigued but trying to fit in ‘one more job’.” McCone said the warning applies as much to contractors as it does to farmers because this is normally a busy time of year which has turned into a race to try and satisfy demand. “Contractors need to ensure they have sufficient space for appropriate rest and nu-

trition. Otherwise they are in danger of making poor decisions, some of which may result in an incident where they end up off work for some time – or permanently. “Communicating – face-to-face, by email, phone whatever works best – should happen before work starts so everybody clearly understands who is doing what, where, what risks are involved and how these are being managed.” He said this includes physical changes to the landscape such as slippery surfaces resulting from wet weather, and work-related activities like spraying. “If the contractor is harvesting wood, communication between farmer and contractor about overlapping duties is all the more important as forestry workers may not be as familiar with on-farm risks as farm contractors,” McCone said. “Woodlots planted 25 to 40 years ago are ready to harvest. Farmers with woodlots need to make sure experienced contractors are taken on to do this difficult and dangerous work, particularly if a woodlot is on a steep slope or has been left a few years longer until the price of wood rises.”

Winter watch: A wet winter can change the profile of a farm including changing the terrain.

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CANTERBURY FARMING

SELW YN SOUNDS

December 2017

Canterbury’s biggest backyard party Many farmers and their families are pencilling March 3 into their dairies, or digital devices, and over the next few weeks dropping hints that tickets for next year’s Selwyn Sounds musical festival would look good in their Christmas stockings. Following the success of the inaugural Selwyn Sounds event earlier this year, the one day festival is back in 2018, and bigger and better. Once again Lincoln Domain will be the perfect venue for the festival with a stellar cast of Kiwi and Australian music legends taking to the stage. Headlining the event is Oz rock royalty Jimmy Barnes. After 40 years on stages of all kinds, he is an icon of Australian rock and his nickname, ‘Barnsey’, conjures up thoughts of rock music at an ear-splitting volume, and of soul standards given a unique reading. His shows are legendary for their intensity. Barnes will be joined by fellow Aussie rockers Mental as Anything, along with two former Christchurch bands done good, The Feelers and The Narcs, as well as iconic 80s Kiwi band the Mockers with their mammoth hit ‘Forever Tuesday morning’ a genuine kiwi classic. Add to that Stellar with Boh Runga, country folk legends The Warratahs, and The Lady Killers, a dream team of three of New Zealand’s favourite female vocalists, Tina Cross, Suzanne Lynch and Jackie Clarke, it is show and a day not to be missed. The Selwyn Sounds festival was the idea of two blokes from Lincoln, one a local pub owner and the other an event and business manager, who one day found themselves discussing live events in the town and the wider Selwyn district. Over a series of conversations Selwyn Sounds was born with David Parlane and Craig Bradford forming Three Coins Gentleman Events company.

Iconic Kiwi band Stellar will play Selwyn Sounds for the ﬁrst time.

Combined the pair have over 60 years of business experience in the hospitality, event management, media, marketing and logistics. “The festival will be based on a chilled and relaxed day of music, food, family and community,” the pair said. It’s not just the music that’s awesome at Selwyn Sounds, the food is fantastic too. You’ll find something for everyone with over 30 vendors on site and full bar facilities.

nine bands. one day.

If you were at last year’s event, you’ll know what a great day this will be. If you weren’t, ask a mate, or head to the Selwyn Sounds Facebook page and see what others had to say. bookings only through the Selwyn Sounds website selwynsounds.co.nz or Ticketek premier.ticketek. co.nz

What: Selwyn Sounds one day music festival When: march 3rd, 2018 Where: Lincoln Domain, Lincoln Gates open at 10am, music starts at 11am and finishes 8.30pm.

GREAT XMAS PRESENT IDEA! ON THE DOMAIN LINCOLN

3 MARCH 2018 THE FEELERS MENTAL AS ANYTHING THE MOCKERS STELLAR THE NARCS THE LADY KILLERS THE WARRATAHS www.selwynsounds.co.nz

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December 2017

CANTERBURY FARMING

The ins and outsâ?&#x161; of maize silage Maize silage is a maize crop cut and ensiled in a stack or bunker. It is commonly used as a supplement to pasture in situations where cows would otherwise be underfed.

Article supplied by DairyNZ

Maize silage is a high quality forage supplement. However, it is particularly low in sodium (Na), calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P), and can be used as an effective carrier to supplement cows with magnesium (Mg). Maize silage is a useful supplement for filling genuine feed deficits, but needs to be well managed to reduce costs and wastage. New Zealand trials have found production responses to maize silage between 32 g MS/ kgDm and 178 g MS/ kg DM. The highest response came from more days in milk created by feeding maize silage in a year affected by a dry summer. Analysis of more than 600 New Zealand dairy farms found on average, that supplements fed added only 50 g MS/kgDM to annual milksolids/ cow and 96 g MS/kgDM to annual milksolids/ha. With such variation in response possible, attention to detail is required to turn additional fed into additional profit.

Why is maize ensiled? Maize silage is full of soluble carbohydrates which while being a great food for cows, is also loved by spoilage bugs, such as yeasts and mould. The aim of the ensiling process is to get air out of the stack and keep it out until maize silage is ready to be fed.

Storing maize silage To minimise losses: Consider stack location and prepare site in advance of harvest. Consider environmen-

tal implications, eg risk of runoff, distance to waterways, drains and other sensitive areas. Consider whether to use a bun (stack) or a bunker. Buns can be located around the farm and therefore more flexible, whereas bunkers are initially more expensive but have higher compaction rate and therefore less wastage. Stack dimensions, the aim is to build a stack so that when being fed out, as little maize as possible is exposed to air. Consider quantity of maize, how many animals you are feeding and what inoculant you are using. Ideally it should take no more than three days to feed across the stack face, taking about half a metre each feed. Cover immediately after contractor has finished rolling the maize. Seal around the base of the stack with soil, sand or lime and place tyres to completely cover stack.

Feeding out maize silage When you start feeding maize open the stack at the opposite end of the prevailing wind to prevent air getting pushed under the cover. Use a front end loader to create a face. Once the face has been created, chip away from the top to the bottom of the stack, rather than lifting from the bottom of the stack face. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t ram bucket or silage forks into the face of the stack as this creates shatter and may allow air to penetrate the maize stack.

CANTERBURY FARMING

December 2017

Yield monitor, the window on your operation Just on 25 years ago, the Ag Leader yield monitor was released to the industry. For the first-time Arable farmers were able to get a unique window on their operation. There many specialised precision ag tools in the industry, but the one that can affect productivity on your whole arable enterprise is the yield monitor in your harvester. The yield monitor is the report cart, the decision support tool that helps you quantify decisions made and prompt you to address issues that inhibit production that you may not have even known was there, and improve next seasons performance. Often Farmers identify drainage, fertility, variety selection, tillage practise, fungicide application, and of course moisture as areas that gave improved Gross Margin. The Yield Monitor helped identify these and helped quantify the return to know the right processes were put in place. Imagine on your arable farm, having a tool that allows you to experiment with Variety’s, Chemicals, Fertility on your farm, in your conditions. With the third generation, the Latest Ag Leader InCommand Displays farmers now have a greater insight into their operation than ever before. With DisplayCast functionality, farmers now can link displays in the field, pull planting data into the harvester to identify variety changes and identify population variations on the go. With Fast and Extremely accurate two load calibrations, Ag Leader yield monitors are designed to help you make quick decisions from the cab of your machine.

Once the harvest is finished, or even if it’s still going, data can by pulled down to your iPad on the go, so you can see real time what is happening in the field, even use the tablet to walk to the areas in the field to faster identify what happened. Data from the Yield Monitor, or any other GPS display you have, can also be imported to SMS on your computer for use, used for Variable Rate Prescription creation, reporting etc. Ag Leader hardware is highly flexible in your farming operation, these displays can also steer your machine, and for the rest of the year to control on your sprayer, variable or fixed rate fertiliser spreading, steering, and work with ISOBUS capable implements to give your business greater integration and flexibility on farm. The investment in Ag Leader yield monitoring is much more than a means of collecting yield maps, we want our customers InCommand of their operation. Regardless of the colour or age of your farm machinery, Ag Leader has solutions to allow you to maximise your return on investment, and your local dealers are your business partners, driven to see you succeed. To talk about your individual requirements and integration options with you existing hardware, contat Ag Leader or visit www.agleader.com

Ag Leader offers a complete line up of precision farming products to help you plan, plant, apply, harvest and manage water and data more efficiently and accurately. Our on-the-go yield monitoring offers in-depth performance analysis, highly accurate data collecting and more. We also offer auto steering, data management and displays.

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December 2017

CANTERBURY FARMING

Vigilance ensures a better harvest There’s nothing better than knowing that your seasonal maize harvest has rendered maximum yield – it makes all those hours of hard work prepping the soil and sowing the seed worthwhile.

lso there’s also nothing to compare to the peace of mind of knowing that a good source of feed is now under wraps, waiting to get your farm through rough times. But there are also few times when Mother Nature seems more at odds with the farm-

er’s best-laid plans than during the runup to harvesting. It’s a time when added vigilance is needed to make sure that pests and weeds don’t undo all your good handiwork, wasting valuable dr y weight of feed even before the harvesting machine turns a wheel. For the busy

dair y farmer it’s often up to contractors and technical advisors to fulfil this ‘watchman’ role. Weeds are the first big threat, and they fall into two distinct categories. Paddocks which have been in pasture prior to being utilised for the maize crop will

benefit from a broad-spectrum grass weed herbicide, while non-pasture paddocks tend to harbour the seeds of broadleaf weeds instead. An appropriate product which is not harmful to maize itself is recommended, as multiple applications may be needed to deal with hardy perennial weeds. When plants are still small the greasy cutworm may make an unwelcome appearance – look for signs of plants completely ‘felled’ by these nasty pests, and confirm their presence by digging in the dirt around the base of plants.

TO PAGE 29

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CANTERBURY FARMING

FROM PAGE 28 Synthetic pyrethroid insecticides knock these worms dead, and are best applied before cutworm feeding time at dusk. Later in the grow the main insect pest is the ‘army worm’, a kind of caterpillar with a big appetite. While dealing with the army worm it’s worth noting the difference between this species and the corn earworm, which will generally only appear as the crop is pollinated. Thankfully, some species of wasp predate upon this pest, with nature cleaning up after herself in this case. Fungal diseases also take their toll if the summer weather proves very humid – blights like eyespot being easy to tackle with fungicides, but only a real issue if environmental factors collude to produce very damp, sticky conditions. By the time that this may be an issue, the crop should be too tall to facilitate ease of spraying with conventional means, and fungicides have sometimes had to be applied from the air in extreme cases. With problems squared away it’s just a matter of waiting for crop maturity before firing up the harvester. From the point of ‘silking’ (the emergence of silky fibres from the cob end), this is usually a period of about 50 days. Experts suggest that a more precise test is the examination of the so-called ‘milkline’ within the cob – snap a cob in two, and look for where the paler ‘milky’ line gives way to yellow, denser starch. A similar milky ‘cap’ exists at the base of

each kernel of corn on the kind of corncobs we eat with the Sunday roast. When this line is one-third of the way down the kernel in your maize sample, it’s time to harvest – though other factors must also be taken into account, right down to the time of day. The magic formula is all about dry weight – the part of the harvest which you (and eventually hungry livestock) will use. The harvest should be taken in when the percentage of dry weight is over 40% – this will lead to a dryer and more pest-resistant stack for silage users. Many farmers will use the services of contractors and specialists to bring in the harvest – whether it’s the common crop of maize, or another variety of grain. But if you do maintain your own equipment to harvest crops, it’s a good idea to give this machinery a thorough test and shakedown prior to beginning the demanding and often time-consuming task of harvesting. Most modern harvesting machinery, whether powered by a tractor or, in larger cases self-propelled, is the product of complicated engineering, and requires all systems (hydraulic, mechanical, electronic) to be regularly serviced to

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ensure safe and efficient operation. After all, there is little point in carefully preparing the paddock, raising a crop and protecting it from pests only to have the whole endeavour fall at the last hurdle. When the harvest is in, storage for the long term is key – this is true from the simplest bunker of maize silage to the most advanced electronically monitored grain silo. Once again, the name of the game is

December 2017

protecting your harvest from pests, such as insects, rodents, moulds and fungi, and throughout the history of farming this has been the case. With a good supply of feed, kept under secure conditions, the oncoming winter seems far less of a daunting obstacle, justifying the investment of time, technology and effort into making this year’s har vest a bumper crop.

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December 2017

CANTERBURY FARMING

Dr Boron and the McCord family passion Chances are, if you have talked about the use of boron in forestry, you were either talking to a McCord, or about a McCord. supplied by ❚ Article McCord Forest Services ❚ A true pioneer in the field, Andy McCord’s passion for boron started at age 26, and with much research, trial, and persistence on his behalf, boron became a mainstream fertiliser for New Zealand forestry in the 1990s. This earned him the nickname ‘Dr Boron’, but to many of you Canterbury Farming readers, Andy McCord was known as ‘The Joke Teller’. Andy, along with his wife Sammi , started Andy McCord Technical Forest Services in 1997 (now known as McCord Forest Services), providing forestry management and consultancy services In 2001 McCord Forest Services introduced their premium Hydroboracite Boron product, ‘Andebor’ to the New Zealand market. It was at this point their daughter Joanna joined the company. Fast forwarding to today, Joanna now manages McCord Forest Services with all the enthusiasm and passion for boron as her father, and with Andy’s latest boron discoveries being the main topic of conversation around the dinner table whilst growing up, it’s no wonder. As they say, the apple never falls far from the tree. Canterbury is notorious for visual

signs of deficiency, because we are prone to drought. Boron is taken up passively through the transpire system, meaning when your tree takes up water, it takes up available boron. Therefore, if you have next to zero available boron in your soil, during a drought your tree will severely struggle to thrive, let alone survive. Common boron deficiencies are multi leaders, mid crown yellowing, and tip dieback. When you are on the long drive through the Canterbury plains and you see P. Radiata stands yellowing from the top down, now you know the cause. Another common observation for boron deficiency is your typical Christmas tree looking pines, or as Andy would describe them short fat and dumpy. Joanna’s advice is if your trees look unwell or are struggling for growth, get a foliar analysis to check your boron levels. Simply contact Joanna and she can help organise this for you. McCord Forest Services supply boron all over New Zealand, and are making strides to supply our neighbour’s across the ditch. Andebor comes in 25kg or 1MT bags and can be applied by hand, fertiliser spreader or helicopter.

If you’re wondering whether boron is right for your forestry block contact Sammi or Joanna mccord.

contact Joanna for any further information at joanna@mccord.co.nz or visit www.boron.co.nz

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CANTERBURY FARMING

Allan Laurie mNZIF ❚ with ❚ Laurie Forestry Ltd Wood Fibre markets continue to boom both internationally and in New Zealand and prices across our domestic and export segments have reached historical highs. Importantly these highs are not significantly above the previous months. Rather they are the continuance of what has now been a close to a three year tide of strength, stability and certainty. All current indicators suggest more of the same lies ahead. Indeed the fundamental supply and demand planets appear to be broadly in alignment and we don’t see great change ahead which heightens the value of wood fibre generally. We do expect some externalities to have some minor impact. These will include shipping rates impacted by global trade, the NZ$/ US$ exchange rate impacted by political uncertainties in NZ and how the US economy will perform in the face of certain impeachments and stupidities. A summary of the factors that have impacted the wood fibre market recently are as follows: • Usage levels in China have continued at pace reaching some daily records in late October approaching 80,000 cubic metres per day. That consumption represents about 2.5 vessels of logs from NZ, loaded to the gunnels. • Usage has settled down to around 70,000 per day in mid-November, slightly above normal for this time of year. • Inventory across the China eastern seaboard is at 3.64 million cubic metres, again as at mid-November, slightly higher than desirable for this time

December 2017

Markets continue to grow

of year. That is just under 2 month’s supply. • NZ harvest has been cranking along with some commentators suggesting we might reach 33 million tonnes to year end March 2018. • Harvest of younger than desirable forests have been common in NZ as forest owners respond to high log prices. For most this is a value sacrifice beyond measure. • The Russian currency (Rubble) has been strengthening against major trading partners making life for exporters less comfortable. Volumes of Russian Logs and lumber are starting to weaken slightly which will be to the benefit of NZ in the medium term • Shipping costs and ship availability has settled down with the recent run up hill on rates trailing off to a flat surface India has continued in the doldrums with cashflows constrained as log buyers struggle to fund the recently implemented 18% GST. The compounding problem, in a pilots terms called a tail spin, is buyers need to pay the GST prior to discharge with no prior signals this was part of the economic restructure plan. The fundamentals of this market remain strong. Most commentators still believe India will hit the 3 million cubic metre annual softwood log consumption from NZ by 2020. There is no question this market is going to be an increasingly important one for NZ Forest growers. On the domestic front it appears to be pretty much business as usual. Many saw-

mills are running close to the wind on supply but I have heard of no major supply issues over the last month. Recent interviews on TV with North Island sawmill owners complaining about logs not going to them appear to be a function of meeting the market price rather than a shortage of supply. It is concerning to hear builders are becoming disgruntled with framing timber quality. This could be a function of tree quality and or too early harvest. Either way the industry does not need builders running to steel as a supposed higher quality alternative. TREE However the additional complaint that all the good logs are being exported is unlikely have any substance. The reference to good logs is essential a reference to branch size and diameter. Larger small branched logs are preferred by domestic sawmills for them to produce house framing lumber. For the most part, it is the lower quality construction grade logs that are exported unless there is a lack of local mills. In the case of the Canterbury region, Timaru is an example where there are virtually no sawmills so everything is exported. However in North Canterbury there are many excellent sawmills around Christchurch paying

good money for the higher grade logs. Thus Lyttelton log export cargos rarely contain higher grade logs. Either way we are on a roll, the market planets are basically in alignment, prices are exciting to say the least and now it has stopped raining. We can say we are reasonably at peace with the world and it looks like more of the same in our near future. This proves once again, the only way forward for climate, country and the planet is to get out there and plant more trees!

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December 2017 CANTERBURY FARMING

Never stop learning ... a key to success Welcome to our latest Canterbury Rural Lifestyle newsletter. It’s been a busy last few months for us with multiple A&P Show attendances in the Selwyn, Waimakariri and Hurunui Districts, and by the time this goes to print we may well have caught up with you at our Canterbury A&P Show stand, where once again in conjunction with STIHL we will have presented some wonderful prizes. Don’t miss us in the New Year when we will again attend the shows starting with the Amuri show on the 3rd of March, and again we’ll give away a STIHL Chainsaw. Continuing to keep our “Country Partners” up-to-date within the Rural Lifestyle sector with the very latest issues, trends and industry nuances is a key ingredient to our success in delivering the very best possible service levels. We make sure we bring our team of specialist agents together on a regular basis to provide additional education, with a range of great speakers providing guidance in their individual

fields of expertise, thus adding to their base of knowledge within our industry. Our most recent speaker Dave Ashby a local Dairy Farmer and Farm Consultant provided an overview and insight to our team on Farm Environmental Planning. Even our smallest lifestylers’ in Canterbury can benefit from good farm management practices and it’s vital that we all play our part in ensuring our lifestyle, cultural values and more importantly our environment is sustainable for our future generations. It’s assuring to see the great work being done in this field throughout the entire farming industry, something that perhaps goes unrecognised or is sometimes highlighted for all the wrong reasons. Improving the knowledge of our agents in areas such as this will result in good sound advice being provided to our clients when undertaking property transactions. At the time of our last newsletter the number of lifestyle blocks on the market here in

Introducing Bill Dowle

With a rural upbringing, it is only the size of Bill’s property that has changed over the years with him residing in Broomﬁeld with his wife Kathryn on 5ha of lifestyle bliss.

With a real passion for the North Canterbury region Bill, has developed a strong real estate business in both farming and the rural lifestyle sectors. Establishing his business through his hard working lessons of life and his willingness to leave no stone unturned.

With the latest additions to the Canterbury road networks opening up at the Airport and the Belfast bypass and with the ﬁne spell of warm spring weather that’s taking us into summer we can expect demand to remain strong as more and more Canterbury folk seek to enjoy the wonderful rural life.

Events Calendar 2017

For clients that have experienced Bill’s dedicated approach, the attention to detail, honesty and willingness to achieve his client’s goals has allowed Bill to build a loyal base of happy customers and succeed in his real estate career.

After a long and successful career in farming, Bill ventured in engineering and then Rural Lifestyle Consultancy before ﬁnding his calling into Real Estate.

Canterbury had dropped back somewhat, with the wet winter and the then pending election at that stage perhaps inﬂuencing people to hold their properties back. However since then the number of listings has bounced back to pre-election levels and there continues to be strong demand.

Keeping his rural interests quenched and in touch with his rural roots, Bill is Duty Chairman of the Canterbury Region Land SAR, the Chairman of the New Zealand Wool Class Association and Rural Fire Force volunteer member (giving back plenty). Having worked in residential sales throughout North Canterbury, rural and lifestyle properties, forestry and high country enterprises, and personal subdivision experience, Bill brings a wealth of practical experience to his business.

Darfield Farmer’s Market Saturday 10.00am - 1.00pm Main Street, Darfield Kaiapoi Farmer’s Market Saturdays 10.00am - 12noon Morgan Williams Reserve, Charles St Leeston Market 1st & 3rd Saturday 9.00am - 12noon Cooperating Church Grounds, High St Lincoln Farmer’s Market Saturday 10.00am - 1.00pm Gerald Street, Lincoln Ohoka Farmer’s Market Fridays 9.00am - 12.30pm Ohoka Domain, Cnr Mill & Whites Rd Oxford Farmer’s Market Sundays 9.00am - 12noon Main Street, Oxford Waipara Valley Farmer’s Market Saturdays 9.00am - 12.00noon Outside Hurunui District Council Offices, 66 Carters Rd, Amberley.

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CANTERBURY FARMING December 2017

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December 2017

CANTERBURY FARMING

DAIRY

Synlait receives CFDA registration Synlait has received the needed registration which will allow exports of The a2 Milk Company Limited’s China label infant formula to China to continue.

❚ by Kent caddick All manufacturers of infant formula are required to register brands and recipes with the China Food and Drug Administration (CFDA) in order to import products into China, through traditional import channels, from January 1, 2018. Synlait submitted the dossier application to the CFDA for the registration of The a2 Milk Company’s infant formula in May. The rigorous process included raw materials and finished products testing, certification of manufacturing standards and formulation assessment, as well as packaging changes in response to labelling and branding requirements.

John Penno, Synlait’s managing director and CEO, said they view the registration as another milestone in their long-term partnership with The a2 Milk Company. “Synlait teams in New Zealand and China compiled a significant dossier to ensure our application was in line with CFDA requirements,” Penno said. “Having successfully navigated the process, in conjunction with The a2 Milk Company, we are now in a stronger position for future applications of other Synlait customers,” adds Mr Penno. The a2 Milk Company CEO Geoffrey Babidge said they look forward to the continued expansion of their business in China following the announcement.

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“Our flexible multi-channel infant formula strategy in both China label products (offline and online) and crossborder English label products (online) has positioned The a2 Milk Company well in the context of the current regulatory requirements.” Synlait and The a2 Milk Company’s commercial relationship began in 2010 with a goal to manufacture the world’s first infant formula made from milk containing only the A2 beta-casein protein type, and free from the A1 protein type. The a2 Milk Company worked closely with Synlait and their Canterbur y milk suppliers to introduce and manage A1 proteinfree herds, while simultaneously building a manufacturing process capable of exclusively streaming that milk into finished infant formula.

Registration approved: Synlait ceO John Penno says receiving registration approval from the china Food and Drug Administration puts them in a strong position.

Following the rapid growth and sustained success of The a2 Milk Company’s infant formula in the Asia Pacific region, Synlait and The a2 Milk Company announced a new supply agreement for a minimum term of five years in August 2016. More recently, The a2 Milk Company acquired an 8.2% shareholding in Synlait in March 2017 to further strengthen the relationship between the two organisations.

CANTERBURY FARMING

DAIRY

December 2017

Bulling unlikely source of lameness

Fred Hoekstra ❚ with VeeHof ❚

Around mating time lameness seems to increase and most people believe the reason for this is the extra pressure that is on the hooves when a cow is being bulled by another cow.

This goes alongside the theory that hooves get damaged by pushing, twisting and turning. Even many non-agricultural based people assume that to be true. When I explain my job to them they always seem to ask if the problem is because of the long walks. So, it is not surprising that the extra weight on the hooves is seen as the cause of the increased lameness around mating time. The problem is that, as far as I am aware, mating is a normal, natural phenomenon. If cows go lame because of the extra pressure, why do we not see more lameness with animals in the wild? Is it because we are breeding cows that have weak hooves? If that was true then this would have occurred in the last 40 years or so because lameness was not a big deal back then, even though cows did go through mating periods and they were twisting and turning on concrete. So, if it is the breeding that is to blame, how much longer do you think we will be milking cows for, as hooves seem to deteriorate at a rapid pace? Another question which is hard to answer in this theory is why do we see most of the problems in the back feet and not so much in the front feet? Front feet carry 60% of the weight of a cow so, if the hooves are genetically weakened, the front feet should suffer more than the back feet. What I am saying is that it is not likely that lameness is caused by external trauma. It just doesn’t make sense and as there is no evidence to back up that theory one must consider that there are alternative explanations. In all my experience the most obvious problem is an unhealthy live tissue in the hoof. If the live tissue (corium) is unhealthy it cannot produce a good quality hoof and likewise, if the corium is healthy it must produce a good quality hoof. So, what makes the corium unhealthy? It is an unbalanced diet and prolonged stress. Stress encompasses a lot. It is not just poor animal handling but

No bull: external trauma is an unlikely cause of lameness.

also heat stress, lack of resting time, lack of good quality water and so on, and when it comes to mating time you will find that cows are generally spending more time waiting than normal. Milking may take a bit longer and bulling cows go back in the holding pen after being milked. It is already nearly impossible to provide enough resting time for our cows on a

pasture-based milking system. Cutting back on resting time in the mating period will only exacerbate the problem and lameness is a result. Farmers who use heat detection cameras on the platform are at more risk. This technology is not yet accurate enough and it pulls more cows out of the herd than there are bulling cows.

This means that a number of cows are going back in the holding yard waiting for nothing. My advice is to be even more diligent around mating time with providing as much paddock time as possible. I am always interested in receiving your thoughts and feedback. Send your email to fred@veehof.co.nz

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December 2017

CANTERBURY FARMING

DAIRY

What fertiliser and religion have in common ❚ by Peter burton

When our own knowledge is lacking and there are those that profess to be all knowing, it’s far easier to accept their authoritatively stated position than spend time and effort nutting it out for ourselves.

main stream science is as well founded and irrefutable as claimed why dismissively aggressive behaviour still exists. It’s comforting to know that witches are no longer burned. In order to further well-reasoned discussion here’s the key differences between the programmes Functional Fertiliser promote, and the alternative sold by the major companies. We view calcium as the most important element in the growing process and although most soils naturally contain large amounts, in many instances it is cycling too slowly to provide best results, calcium is therefore part of all recommendations. Phosphorus, potassium, and sulphur are viewed as essential elements, however genuine soft phosphate rock is favoured over water-soluble manufactured products. Potassium is always applied in the sulphate form, and high 0800 843 809 quality finely ground elemenwww.esi.org.nz tal sulphur provides any necPastures love essary longer term sulphur requirements. ® Magnesium, where required is applied in the form of Golden Bay dolomite, the most effective magnesium based fertilisers fertiliser we’ve used and it comes with a useful amount that build carbon of calcium. back into the soil. And here’s the fundamental difference. In permanent

We then justify that decision by checking with our peers and if there is general agreement it’s a done deal and we stick together, a sort of ‘safety in numbers’ type mentality, and maintaining that position requires a degree of faith. However, deep within the psyche of most is an awareness that we might just be wrong, remote but possible, and if that that turns out to be the case there is, at least, the comfort of knowing we’re in good company. When it comes to fertiliser anybody proposing anything not based on soluble N, P, and K is often still dismissed as a heretic, and their products then labelled as snake oil, or worse. The term ‘lack of science’ is regularly tossed in to discussions as the ultimate put down, and who is going to argue with that. A thinking person might well wonder, if

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pasture clover is seen as the king maker and the programmes are designed to create the conditions under which clovers flourish. With the amount of N fixed free-of-charge by clovers along with that available direct from the atmosphere, as well as the thousands of kilograms held organically in the soil, these programmes are not dependent on fertiliser nitrogen. The energy supplied by bag N in a conventional programme is replaced by the grunt provided by a wide range of selected beneficial fungi and bacteria. The resultant permanent grazed pasture performance is as good

or better as any from a conventional N driven system, based on fifteen years of careful measuring. We’re keen to discuss, in depth, and at length, with all people interested in genuine sustainability. Those with different views will be treated respectfully, no offence will be taken, nor will any attempt be made to personalise what we see as fundamentally important issues in agriculture today. And next year, as new stuff is learnt, may the discussion continue. For more information contact Peter on 0800 843 809

CANTERBURY FARMING December 2017

DAIRY

New app for farmers, environment Farmers have a new tool to help them identify opportunities on farm to get even better environmental results.

❚❚by Kent Caddick DairyNZ has developed an app, called EnviroWalk, to make it easier for farmers to assess their fertiliser use, effluent, waterways, races, cropping, water use and irrigation, and create an action plan on their smartphone. About 1500 farmers have already downloaded the free app since it was launched in July. DairyNZ Lower North Island Catchment Engagement Leader Adam Duker, who led the development of the app, said farmers are always looking for ways to improve their environment and we wanted to make it as easy as possible for them. “The app allows them to have all the information they need at their fingertips.” He says the app has a series of ‘yes or no’ questions to help farmers identify areas on their farm that have opportunities to do things differently and get better environmental outcomes. Depending on the answers to the questions, the app suggests solutions or actions. These form the basis of the action plan, which can be downloaded, printed and updated at any time. “An added benefit is that once the app

is downloaded it can be used with no internet connection and accessed anywhere onfarm,” Duker said. “We knew it would be successful because farmers helped us build the app and were part of its development.” Dairy farmer John Den Baars piloted the app on his Milton dairy farm. He said the app helps take the guess work out of assessing a farm’s environmental impact. “The EnviroWalk app is all things environmental for your farm in one place. It is user-friendly and a great tool for training the younger generation. “I know the young staff I work with would rather do it on their phone than on a bit of paper and it’s certainly faster than working out a plan the hard way.” The app is one of three apps that DairyNZ has developed to help farmers. The others are the Dairy Effluent Storage Calculator and BCS Tracker App. About 11,700 farmers around the country have downloaded the apps. The EnviroWalk App can be downloaded on any device via the DairyNZ website, Apple AppStore and Android Google PlayStore.

EnviroWalk: A phone app is helping to take the guess work out of assessing a farm’s environmental impact.

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WATER & IRRIGATION

Help to improve irrigation management

IrrigationNZ will be back on farms this summer testing irrigation systems and helping farmers improve the efficiency of their irrigation.

Andrew Curtis ❚❚by ❚❚Chief Executive, IrrigationNZ

uled and the maintenance carried out on equipment as well as the monitoring of soil moisture and run off. Thanks to the support of partner organLast summer, in partnership with Environment Canterbury, we developed a new test- isations Environment Canterbury, DairyNZ, ing programme which saw 131 Ashburton The Foundation for Arable Research, Beef farms with irrigation have their systems test- and Lamb New Zealand, HortNZ, Synlait, Fonterra, Ballance Agri-nutrients and Central ed to see how they were performing. Farmers and farm staff were also inter- Plains Water, the testing and evaluation can viewed to find out how they manage their irri- be carried out at a subsidised rate. Once the testing has been completed, gation systems. Over the next three months, we will be farmers receive their results and have the optesting irrigation on around 100 farms in the portunity to attend a drop-in session. This provides them with a complete picSelwyn district. We’ll look at how farmers are operating irrigation equipment, whether wa- ture of how well their irrigation system is opter is applied evenly, how irrigation is sched- erating and also how they are managing it. Farmers are offered advice on what they can do to improve their irrigation performance. The testing programme carried out in Ashburton over the summer of 201617 was the first large scale independent irrigation efficiency trial completed in New BEST POND Zealand and identified some important results which AND WATER are applicable to irrigators COURSE throughout New Zealand. SOLUTIONS New Zealand is actually a world leader in irrigation best practice, innovation and training and most farmers Effluent Pond Liners liquid were actively working to encontainment Pond Liners sure they were using water Tank Liners - Effluent and Water efficiently and using technolCanals and Water Course ogy to support the decisions Decorative Pond Liners they made. For example 70% of the PHONE DAVID ON 03 344 1593 farmers were using soil WWW. LIQUIDCONTAINMENT.CO.NZ moisture monitoring techINFO@LIQUIDCONTAINMENT.CO.NZ nology. And just over half of

all irrigation equipment showed good to excellent uniformity of water distribution, with 32% of systems having fair uniformity and only 16% poor. The testing in Ashburton was carried out on dairy, sheep and beef, arable and deer farms and covered a range of irrigation equipment – centre pivots, laterals, travelling irrigators, hard hose guns and sprayline systems. The test results highlighted that the performance of irrigation systems can deteriorate over time, however regular testing and maintenance of older systems helps to pick up and correct any faults. Worn parts in irrigators can contribute to less than optimal water distribution, with sediment in the water supply, incorrect hardware or blocked nozzles being some other

common factors affecting performance. The depth of water application is another important factor which impacts on crop and pasture growth. Factors which can limit application depth include incorrect set up and commissioning during installation, system constraints, poor maintenance and technology failures. Staff knowledge of how to use irrigation equipment, carry out soil moisture monitoring and irrigation performance testing are also key to achieving best practice in irrigation. If you live in Selwyn and would like to be part of the upcoming irrigation efficiency project see www. irrigationnz.co.nz/events for details as well as our online resources to upskill farm staff and a range of training courses.

CANTERBURY FARMING

WATER & IRRIGATION

Tony Trewinnard ❚ by ❚ Blue Skies Weather

December 2017

Rain expected in short supply

The past month or two have been typical of La Nina spring season conditions, with the westerlies arriving early after winter, and then dropping out for long periods of time from mid-October, with anticyclones (areas of high air pressure) in charge of our weather patterns since then. Looking ahead for the next six weeks for Canterbury and there is no doubt that rain will be in short supply, and I suspect the dreaded ‘D’ word will be springing to people’s lips later in December. Good winter rains are keeping things green currently, and the absence of moisture-sucking nor’westers in the last month has helped reduce soil moisture loss. However, the lack of rain is starting to make its presence felt now, and this dryness will slowly but surely bite further in the next month or so. The current anticyclonic pattern will continue through the end of November with little chance of any significant rain for Canterbury, plenty of sunshine, and milder temperatures (but not warm, due to the persistent north-

easterly winds, and absence of northwesterlies). Around the first week of December expect to see light west or northwesterly airflows developing over the southern South Island which may allow a weak front or two to bring a hint of rain to the region, but conditions probably remaining dry, and warmer. The second week of December looks the most likely to bring some rain into the region with the anticyclones breaking down and some west to southwest airflow arriving. The longer term data however suggests this will be brief, with anticyclones re-establishing themselves for the second half of the month, bringing another long dry and relatively settled pattern. In these settled periods we can see some rogue rainfalls in the form of afternoon thunder showers, which typically form over the eastern foothills or inland basins. Rainfall from these systems is never widespread, but localized downpours are possible, sometimes with hail.

This pattern of dominant anticyclones and brief periods of west to southwesterly airflow is likely to continue through January, but the further we get into the summer, the greater the chances of low pressure systems affecting the country from the northern Tasman Sea. Initially these tend to affect the North Island, but eventually they will make their way further south and impact Canterbury – sometimes this happens in January, usually it has happened by early March. During this time Canterbury often experiences warmer than normal temperatures when measured by the usual mean of the daily maximum and daily minimum method, but people don’t always equate that with a warm summer, as the hot northwesterly days can be infrequent, and the onshore easterly wind can be persistent for coastal areas such as Christchurch. Will there be heavy rains and floods in the late summer? It is possible, and more likely this sea-

son than most. La Nina summers tend to bring sub-tropical storms onto the North Island and if these sit in the right place for a few days then the humid easterly airflows can bring significant rains to Canterbury –but these do tend to be later in the season rather than earlier. Either way, humidity levels increase and disease pressure builds in grapes and other horticultural crops. Harvest season for grain crops is also impacted. For more seasonal and long range information check out the blue Skies Weather Facebook page: www.facebook.com/BlueSkiesWeather There you will find updated six-week outlooks for canterbury, which are proving popular and fairly accurate. Soon these products will be part of a package of seasonal predictions which you will be able to subscribe to at a low cost and be able to ask questions of your own personal meteorologist.

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Dr Tony Davoren ❚ with ❚ Hydro Services

WATER & IRRIGATION

Has it dried up?

Change of Government and a change in the weather pattern. Since early October we have returned to what we expect as the ‘norm’ for Canterbury – minus the NW for the most part. What’s in store and will we cope.

Officially we are still in an El Niño Southern Oscillation neutral state – neither El Niño nor La Niña. However, our weather and some indicators in later October and November suggest La Niña conditions might persist for rest 2017 and into 2018. The sea surface temperatures in the eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean have cooled significantly and international climate scientists think it will continue to cool for the next three months. The Southern Oscillation Index (SOI) has been positive since July and the latest weekly measurement from Weatherzone on 12 November was 6.9.

conditions currently being experienced will likely continue: • north-easterly to easterly flow anomalies; and • higher pressure than normal to the south-east of the country. Remember 1988-89 – it was a very strong La Niña. The NIWA climate outlook for November to January indicates we could be in for: • Temperatures very likely to be above average (60% chance); • Rainfall most likely to be in the near normal range (45% chance); and • Soil moisture levels and river flows most likely to be in the below normal

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La Niña prediction: NIWA climate outlook is indicating below-normal river flows for the alpine rivers.

The upside is that this winter we have had good recharge of groundwater, including deeper bores like observation bore BX23/0623 on Aylesbury Road. Good recharge because water levels have not reached the halcyon levels following winter recharge in 1987, 1995, 1996 and 2013. If we take into account the slow start to irrigation and the La Niña conditions with not too much NW weather, groundwater levels and reliability will get us through this season without the issues of 2015-16 ad 2016-17 irrigation seasons. However, the NIWA climate outlook indicates river flows in the below normal range

– for the alpine rivers (Rakaia, Waimakariri etc.) that would be expected with La Niña conditions when easterly to north-easterly flow the norm. This might be a season to judiciously utilise any Coleridge stored water as the season progresses – it might be a valuable commodity in late summer and autumn.

CANTERBURY FARMING

LIVESTOCK

December 2017

Better tone to market for some

rob cochrane ❚ by Procurement Manager, ❚ Wool PGG Wrightson Wool ❚

The wool market maintained its ‘game of two halves’ throughout the month of November as prices for coarse, or strong, wool types were often subdued at auctions across the country with the general lack of international demand remaining the major influencer.

However, prices for merino wool types improved markedly on their previous levels due to the, now very obvious, imbalance between demand versus supply. Although there were some better market tones evident for a few select coarser types at a couple of auctions, in general terms the pricing structure did not deliver much to write home about for crossbred wool growers across the country. Crossbred fleece types were a little better supported, when compared to October, at the November South Island wool auction which was held as a feature of the Canterbury A&P Association Show. Aided by the combination of a weakening Kiwi dollar plus a revised shipping schedule which required some vessels to take on cargo from New Zealand earlier than originally expected, crossbred prices did improve, against most predictions, with some lifting by as much as 10% compared to late October, creating an air of extremely cautious optimism as the month of November progressed. The price improvements enabled a good clearance of both new and old season’s wool

from the auctioneer’s rostrum on November 16 as most of the participating vendors displayed a willingness to sell to the highest bid on the day, and only approximately 5% of the offering was passed-in below vendor expectation. A number of very attractive merino wool types were offered at the November South Island auction. Pre-sale broker expectations were for a fairly solid sale result, because the international merino wool market had enjoyed extremely good support during the season to date, from exporters supplying spinners and traditional cloth makers as well as the ever growing demand from lifestyle and outdoor apparel manufacturers and marketers. Neither they nor their vendors were disappointed as a keen bench of exporters fought fiercely to gain dominance of the bidding war on the day. The atmosphere during the merino sections of the broker catalogues offered on the day was one of excitement and tension and the wool growers and members of the general public in attendance should have been

very pleasantly surprised by what they saw due mainly to the obvious lack of demand and heard from the auctioneers and buyers’ from China. Export figures I viewed at time of writing, in the temporary auction room. Mid-micron types have also enjoyed some suggested that wool exports to China from improvement of late however the main bene- New Zealand, during the two months from ficiaries have been those in the finer catego- the beginning of July to the end of August this ries as those types receive spin-off from the year, had slumped dramatically from 57% to 34% when comparing the same period three buoyant merino wool market. Mid-micron wool types in the 22 to 26 mi- years ago. What does the future hold? Watch cron ranges were very well supported during this space. That’s my view. November with many of them receiving prices which had earlier in the season been reserved ® mostly for the 19 to 20 micron merino types. Available from PGG Wrightson, Farmlands With the main crossUV Protected Polycarbonate. Fits on any container bred shearing season with a flat surface. beginning about now, it Instructions supplied with the fitting. is anticipated that New $20 plus p&p Zealand wool expor ters GORDYS FLYTRAP FITTING may struggle to han21 LITCHFIELD ST, BLENHEIM dle all of the new season’s wool expected, Email: elaine.gordon@xtra.co.nz let alone what is likely www.gordys-flytrap-fitting.com to come for ward from Patented in New Zealand/Australia the previous season,

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December 2017

CANTERBURY FARMING

LIVESTOCK

Major deer shed upgrade underway

Trevor Walton ❚ by Deer ❚ Industry NZ

Most Canterbury deer farmers have upgraded their deer sheds this season to ensure that their velvet meets new hygiene and cool chain requirements.

John Tacon, quality assurance manager for Deer Industry NZ (DINZ), says he’s really impressed with the quality of the facilities that many farmers are building. “It shows the great pride they have in their industry and the products they produce. While improved hygiene is the driver, the new and upgraded facilities we are seeing are often much better for the deer and those who work with them,” he says. From the start of the current season in early October, new hygiene regulations have applied to all farms where velvet is harvested. On farms with modern facilities only minor changes have been needed. On some farms, older facilities have been rebuilt and freezers replaced. Paddy Boyd, the manager of Haldon Station, is a farmer member of the National Velvetting Standards Body (NVSB). He says the shed upgrades have been a long time coming. “In the last 40 years a lot has changed in terms of technology and public attitudes, but many deer farmers have been using the same facilities throughout. We had already started encouraging farmers to upgrade before Chinese regulators decided to bring the supply and manufacture of traditional Chinese medicines into the modern era,” Boyd says. “In working with the Ministry for Primary

Industries (MPI) on the new regulatory control scheme (RCS), we were careful not to set standards that farmers couldn’t deliver. We had to ensure we had a scheme that was credible in the market, but was completely doable for farmers.” Tacon says the regulatory bottom line is that all sheds must have a “clean zone” – a designated area where velvet antler is removed, handled and frozen. In this zone, all contact surfaces must be washable and clean prior to velvet removal and handling. “As soon as practicable after harvesting, but within two hours, velvet also needs to be placed in a velvet-only freezer capable of freezing to at least minus 15 deg C.” He says under the new regulations about a third of all velvetting facilities will be audited each year by MPI-approved NVSB auditors. This is separate to the annual visits by supervising veterinarians who check that farmer velvetters are removing velvet in accordance with NVSB standards. Before velvet leaves the farm, farmers now must sign a Velvet Status Declaration – a legal document which confirms that the velvet has been removed in compliance with the RCS. Farmers had only a few months to get their sheds up to spec before the start of the velvet season in early October. Nevertheless, DINZ chair Ian Walker, who is an NVSB

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Keep it clean: Stags ready for velvetting in a ‘clean zone’.

and RCS auditor, says he has signed off 50 per cent of the sheds he has audited. Of the remainder, about half need only minor changes. “One thing that many farmers forget to include in their records is an A4 plan of the facilities, with the clean zone areas highlighted,” Walker says. “Most of the audit is based on broad risk assessments, but there are some specific rules that you have to abide by – like the clean area plan and evidence that your freezer meets the required temperature”.

Walker says the 2017-18 deer velvet season opened strongly, with farmers reporting price levels about 20 per cent above the previous season’s close. He says the price improvement was timely, given the investment many farmers are making in upgrades to their velvetting facilities. DINZ estimates velvet production will reach 675 tonnes this season, up slightly on last season. This increase will be needed to meet growing demand for velvet as an ingredient in health foods in Korea.

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LIVESTOCK

Better business behind newest sheep breed New Zealand’s newest sheep breed is getting the thumbs up from breeders.

❚ by Kent caddick Developed by wool innovation specialists Lanaco, the Astino is bred specifically for the company’s premium, wool-based healthcare products, and, according to Lanaco, offers farmers the opportunity for better wool returns. The breeding objectives of Astino include a wool with unique filtration benefits, a target lambing rate of two per season and market-leading carcass characteristics. Breeder Andy Ramsden says Astino represents a positive step-change in the industry. “It’s increasingly clear that supplying generic wool on the open market is not sustainable’” says Ramsden, who is the founder of the Headwaters breeding group and developer of the Highlander breed. “The way forward for farmers is twofold – transitioning to innovative new breeds that are branded and controlled, and secondly forming partnerships with manufacturers like Lanaco, who have New line: Headwaters breeding group founder Andy ramsden is encouraging South Island the global reach and marketing capabilfarmers to consider the Astino breed. Photo courtesy meo mask & Lanaco Ltd ity to earn a premium.” He says the breeding programme, also houses Lanaco’s partner Healthy Ramsden is encouraging South IsBreath Ltd, is a long-term investment manufacturing facility and partnership land farmers to consider the Astino. “The future for farmers is up the val- that gives the company control of the are critical to producing a premium entire supply chain – from woolshed to product and capturing value in the supue chain,” he says. ply chain. “Better returns are a result of align- shop window. ing breeding and business decisions with the end-product in mind. “That means transitioning to a premium, trademarked breed and partnering with a manufacturer that can build a value proposition around the raw material and take the final product direct to highend consumers the world Phone Nick over. Mobile: 027 210 1621 “Farmers are critical to the industry and produce Factory Shop - Ph: 03 348 9439 arguably the world’s finest 15 Michelle Road, Wigram, meat and fibre. They deserve Christchurch, 8042 a fair share of the value-added pie.” Coinciding with the launch of the trademarked breed is the opening of Lanaco’s new Auckland facility, an end-toend research, product development and manufacturing hub. Lanaco CEO Nick Davenport says the facility, which

CANTERBURY FARMING

December 2017

More returns for your wool. Carrfields Primary Wool (CP Wool) is a 50/50 joint venture between Carrfields and Primary Wool Co-operative (PWC), a 100% wool grower owned co-operative. • CP Wool has stores in key locations across NZ • CP Wool offers significant benefits and advantages to New Zealand wool producers Talk to your local CP Wool representative about maximising the returns on your wool clip.

Contact your Canterbury representative Mark Greenlaw 027 227 8898 Roger Fuller 027 683 6993

Grant Andrew 027 481 6219 Gavin Crump 027 431 6555 www.cpwool.co.nz

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December 2017

CANTERBURY FARMING

Choice of an unexpected generation New, sharp-edged, artistic, cool and funky. All words used to conjure with in the world of crossover SUV marketing.

❚ by Andy bryenton In the segment which is quietly killing off the hot hatch in the same way the mid sized SUV did in the sedan, it’s all about youthful

ver ve and wild design. Take a look at the Suzuki Ignis, with it’s homage to funky little Fiats and Euro-boxes of old. How about the wildly polarizing Nissan Juke? And the subject of my attention today,

Fueled on cool: The Toyota cH-r has found a surprising new market beyond its intended purpose, and now boasts a 600 horsepower sibling.

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the wonderfully fresh looking Toyota CH-R. Then look at who is actually buying them. There’s a surprise in the statistics, and it’s quite a pleasant one. There seem to have been some wires crossed, because these vehicles – pitched in their glossy ad books and TV spots as for the urban, hip, twentysomething crowd, are a huge hit with older people. When you drill down into the statistics, it’s not hard to see why, though – these small but spacious vehicles with their great safety ratings, good fuel economy and high, easy to access driving positions are giving cars like the old Yaris and Swift a run for their money, and have already shown the Micra the door in favour of the Juke. Toyota’s CH-R ticks absolutely all the boxes. Its 1.2 litre engine feels willing, but delivers a frugal 6.5 litres per 100 kilometers combined city and highway fuel economy. A smooth CVT gearbox takes care of having to

work the clutch in urban traffic. But what really sets the CH-R apart are its looks. Which will inspire a lot of opinions, but are in mine absolutely spot on. This Toyota looks like it comes from the very near future. You get the impression, in fact, that the robots who helped build it also helped design it, it’s that forward-looking. And that’s a great thing. It’s wonderful that older people are rejecting the frankly insulting stereotype that, once you’re over 65, you have to totter around in beige and drive something sensible and charcoal grey. If the crossover SUV revolution continues, we may see little hatchbacks go extinct. But if eye candy like the CH-R replaces them, so what. And for the radical young - at the recent SEMA customs show in Las Vegas, a 600hp CH-R concept was premiered that goes as fast as it’s space-fighter looks imply. You’re only as old as you feel, right?

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December 2017

CANTERBURY FARMING

A checklist for buying a tractor Here’s a quick checklist of things you may ned to consider when buying that new, or used, tractor.

❚ by Kent caddick Budget Regardless of your budget, check the price of a new tractor – it’ll put the price of used machines into perspective and you may be surprised by the affordability taking the benefits of owning new into account.

Horsepower Tractor power is expressed in horsepower – it’s good to have a horsepower figure for a tractor, but that doesn’t tell you what it’s capable of doing. Higher horsepower doesn’t always mean more seable power.

Tyres Tyres are one of the very important parts to look at when buying a tractor. They can be expensive to replace – so take tyre condition into account when you’re looking at buying a used tractor.

Accessories: consider what extras your tractor will need before buying. It’s also an expensive exercise to change the tyres on a tractor from say ag tread to turf tyres – you’re better off getting a tractor with the tyres you want already on it.

Photo courtesy of Drummond and etheridge

There are three types of tyres suitable for utility tractors: R1 (ag or bar tread) tyres give you the best traction, but can cause the most ground damage;

R3 (turf tread) tyres are ideal for jobs like mowing and have the least traction; R4 (industrial-tread) tyres have excellent traction, and are a good compromise if you’re going to be using your tractor on the lawn as well as in the paddock.

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At the back of the tractor is a three-point hitch or linkage, which has three mounting points for implements – two draft arms and a top link. The draft/lift arms do the work of lifting the implement, the top link controls its angle relative to the ground. Most tractors that would be used on a lifestyle block would have a CAT1 or CAT2 hitch – this refers to the diameter of the holes on the draft/lift arms. You can fit a CAT1 implement onto CAT2 arms (using sleeves over the implement pins) but not vice-versa.

Rear Hydraulics If you’re planning on using hydraulic implements with your tractor, you’ll need rear SCVs (Selective Control Valves). Make sure the tractor you’re buying has got them, or can have them added – find out what the cost is to add them first – it isn’t that cheap. Rear SCVs are used to run hydraulic top links, post rammers, forklifts, log splitters, anything else that is operated hydraulically.

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CANTERBURY FARMING

December 2017

❚ with rob cope-Williams

Expectations too high As many of our international spor ting teams take a public hiding and coaching staff are forced to fall on their swords, the question must be asked “are we too hard on our leaders and spor ting heroes” and does that flow onto “are we too hard on our industr y leaders”? As a nation we expect, not hope for, but expect our international teams to win against countries that have oodles more population and oodles more resources to call on. As soon as the Kiwi league team tripped and fell there was a national outcry, including many who have no idea about the game or the pressures the management and players are facing. The All Blacks scrape in over Scotland, and instead of saying the management and players have had a huge run of successes, and that we have proved time and time again to be the best in the world, they are expected to win by cricket score margins. The same can be said of farming and the exporters who spend their working lives selling the produce on behalf of the farmers. While the world markets are working for us all and prices are holding well no-one says a thing, but the moment that a segment of the market drops back questions

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are asked and fingers pointed. Primary produce markets are, as we all know, cyclical and that is why clever producers don’t have all their eggs in one basket. I suppose that farmers are feeling very reliant on others to sell their produce and while the very clever top 4% have set up their own marketing contracts, the rest are in fact facing getting whatever others can swing for them. Now here’s a thought, should the marketing people actually get to know the producers, ask what they think about what they are producing and tell the producers what they want to take to the market. Yes we have come a long way from frozen carcasses being exported to the UK and yes we are now fine tuning niche markets, so let’s provide a united front with the marketing teams all on the same page. We can’t do commodities so don’t try. World markets are based on them so we must rise above that Listen to the people who are going to buy, or walk past our produce and provide the marketing team with what they can sell. What’s got to do with sporting teams is simple, a team that communicates up and down will always win and not attract negative energy.

14/11/17 8:42 AM

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